The Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) surged to a fresh record high on Monday, buoyed by renewed investor confidence after S&P Global Ratings upgraded Sri Lanka’s foreign currency rating from SD/SD (Selective Default) to CCC+/C. The upgrade strengthened optimism about the country’s economic outlook, driving broad-based market gains.
The ASPI advanced 141.78 points (+0.67%) to close at 21,226.87, while the S&P SL20 rose 60.97 points (+1.02%) to 6,057.13. Intraday volatility was sharp, with the ASPI swinging 237.69 points between its open and session high.
Turnover reached LKR 8.08 Bn, with crossings contributing LKR 1.58 Bn (19%). The largest crossing came from COMB.N (LKR 489.64 Mn), while JKH.N led in volume, with 10.20 Mn shares traded.
The Capital Goods sector dominated activity, contributing 45% of total turnover, largely driven by SIRA.N (LKR 1.77 Bn). Market breadth remained mixed, with 103 gainers against 116 decliners, reflecting selective buying despite strong turnover.
Top positive contributors included JKH.N (+24.24 index points), CTHR.N, SFCL.N, COMB.N, and VONE.N. Meanwhile, SIRA.N (-11.66 index points), RICH.N, HAYL.N, RIL.N, and WIND.N were among the main negative movers.
Notably, SIRA.N posted the day’s highest turnover of LKR 1.77 Bn, though it closed with a sharp 14.53% decline, weighing on the index despite its heavy trading.
